New blood test detects thousands of genetic conditions in foetuses using maternal DNA fragments
By
Hannah Devlin
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Summary
Scientists have developed a new maternal blood test that can detect thousands of serious genetic conditions in a developing foetus by analyzing fragments of foetal DNA circulating in the mother's bloodstream. The test, presented at the European Society for Human Genetics conference, uses advanced sequencing techniques to identify conditions like cystic fibrosis that currently require invasive screening methods. This non-invasive approach could significantly reduce the need for risky procedures such as amniocentesis while providing comprehensive genetic screening during pregnancy.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledA new maternal blood test that can detect thousands of serious genetic conditions in the developing foetus could limit the need for invasive screening during pregnancy, according to scientists.
The test relies on detecting tiny fragments of a foetus's DNA that circulate in the mother's bloodstream during pregnancy.
Using advanced sequencing techniques, scientists were able to identify a very high proportion of genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, that are currently only reliably diagnosed u
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